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2024 NFL Draft: 3 defensive players fans must know about

By Jalen Wilson

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 31: Kool-Aid McKinstry #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after breaking up a pass during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alabama Crimson Tide won the game 45 - 20. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 31: Kool-Aid McKinstry #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after breaking up a pass during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alabama Crimson Tide won the game 45 - 20. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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2024 NFL Draft
2024 NFL Draft: Kool-Aid McKinstry #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action against the LSU Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2. Kool-aid Mckinstry, CB, Alabama

McKinstry has the most to lose and least to gain of any defensive back this upcoming season. ESPN’s NFL draft analyst Todd McShay had McKinstry drafted top five to the Arizona Cardinals in his mock Draft.

According to 247-Sports, McKinstry was given a five-star rating out of high school and was the no.1 cornerback in the nation. Since arriving in Tuscaloosa, McKinstry has started a majority of his games played. In two seasons, 61 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 16 pass deflections. McKinstry is also a weapon in special teams, as he has returned 21 punts for 332 yards with an average of 15.8 yards per return.

Being listed as 6-foot-1, 195-pounds, McKinstry has the size that NFL scouts are looking for in a cornerback. Possessing good size to go along with his awareness, fluent movement, change of direction, and ability to play zone coverage makes him a hot commodity. However, the problem with McKinstry is that he is prone to getting beat on double moves and over the top, which causes him to give up big plays.

I think some of McKinstry’s struggles come from Pete Golding, who was Alabama’s defensive coordinator his first two seasons. Now that Golding is gone and Bama is running a new defensive scheme. Under new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, we should see McKinstry used to his full potential. Mckinstry will join a long line of Alabama defensive backs to be NFL Draft picks.

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